Two generations of Makeba family, Zenzi and Lindelani, perform at Miriam Makeba Music Tribute Show in Joburg
Mama Africa, a tribute to South Africa’s legendary, iconic singer, Miriam Makeba, takes place in Johannesburg on November 26th as part of the Legacy Series at the Untitled Basement venue in Braamfontein.
The show – from 2pm on Sunday, November 26th – features two Makeba generations as it features Miriam’s great grandson, Lindelani Makeba Lee, on percussion, while vocalist Zenzi Makeba Lee, will lead performances of some of Makeba’s most famous songs, carrying on the legacy of her iconic grandmother.
Also included in the line-up of talent are some of South Africa’s top jazz musicians: pianist and music director Afrika Mkhize, Dalisu Ndlazi on bass and drummer Sphelelo Mazibuko.
The event commemorates the 15th year of Miriam’s passing as well as her extraordinary impact on global music while finding a way to use her artistry to campaign for human rights and speak against apartheid and colonialism.
Renowned as Africa’s first global music star, Miriam was the first African artist to win a Grammy Award (along with Harry Belafonte in 1965) and entered the US Billboard top 10 in 1967 with her hit “Pata Pata”.
Inhabiting the turbulent world of pop culture, black consciousness, and the anti-apartheid struggle in the 60s, 70s and early 80s, Miriam’s voice and songs changed perceptions of Africa and African music. Further global recognition also came in the “Graceland” tour with US artist, Paul Simon, three years before her return to South Africa after 31 years of exile.
Often played out as a soundtrack to a canvas of 20th Century power struggles, Miriam’s repertoire includes some of South Africa’s most beloved songs such as “The Click Song”, struggle anthems such as “Aluta Continua”, pan-African hits such as “Malaika”, and international tracks such as the Brazilian song, “Mas Que Nada”, for which Miriam became known as the “voice in which Africa reaches its zenith”.
Tickets are available on Quicket: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/240685-the-legacy-series-presents-mama-africa-a-tribute-to-miriam-makeba/?ref=algolia-search#/
